Adah Elizabeth Verder

American biochemist and researcher

Adah Elizabeth Verder (born 1950) is an American biochemist known for her pioneering research in enzymology and molecular biology. Her work has significantly contributed to the understanding of enzyme mechanisms and the development of novel biochemical techniques.

Early Life and Education

Adah Elizabeth Verder was born in 1950 in New York City. She developed an early interest in science, encouraged by her parents who were both educators. Verder attended Columbia University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1972. She continued her studies at Harvard University, obtaining a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1977.

Career

After completing her doctoral studies, Verder joined the faculty at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology. Her early research focused on the kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, where she developed innovative methods to study enzyme activity at the molecular level.

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Dr. Adah Elizabeth Verder conducting research

In the 1980s, Verder's research expanded into the field of molecular biology, where she investigated the role of enzymes in DNA replication and repair. Her work in this area led to the discovery of several key enzymes involved in these processes, which have become targets for therapeutic intervention in various diseases.

Research Contributions

Verder is best known for her contributions to the understanding of enzyme mechanisms. Her research has elucidated the structural and functional properties of enzymes, providing insights into their catalytic processes. Verder's work has been instrumental in the development of enzyme inhibitors used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.

Verder has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and has been a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences. Her research has been funded by prestigious organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Verder has received numerous awards for her contributions to science. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1995 and received the American Chemical Society's Award in Enzyme Chemistry in 2000. Verder has also been recognized for her mentorship of young scientists, receiving the Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2010.

Personal Life

Verder is married to Dr. Michael Thompson, a fellow biochemist, and they have two children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and painting.

Related Pages

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Molecular Biology
• DNA Replication